Dover IV XV (29) v (19) Canterbury V XV
Played on 27th September 2008
On a warm afternoon at Crabble Dover 4th entertained Canterbury 5th in their second EK3 game of the season. Although winning, the game was a lot closer than the score line may indicate.
Dover, hoping to take advantage of playing with the slope, started lethargically with little support for the ball carrier and not committing numbers to rucks or mauls. It was at a ruck that Dover were penalised after five minutes. Canterbury elected to kick at goal and when the ball struck the upright it was the Canterbury players who reacted quicker to score an unconverted try.
Dover upped their game with some driving runs from Pellet picking up at No.8 and good support from scrum half Claw with both scoring tries. Another try from Bowman saw Dover extend their lead to 19 - 5, but Dover were unable to stamp their authority on the game. In fact, Canterbury had the majority of possession in the first half, but it was through Dover's mistakes that allowed Canterbury to score two further tries. At half time Dover held a slender lead of 24 - 19.
The second half started well for Dover with young Ben Atkin, playing in his first senior game, having a great game making numerous penetrating runs upfield and demonstrating good ball handling skills. Although scoring four second half tries (two for Richard Walker on senior debut) without reply Canterbury played with good heart. If they were more clinical with their final pass the game would have been much closer and the final score of 46 - 19 flattered Dover. (Dover try scorers: Walker x 2, Bowman x 2, Howard, Oliver, Pellet and Claw, with three conversions by Bowman).
Report by: Jason Wall
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